Are you an Outlaw? Meet Jim Durham

Who has redefined what it means to think outside the law (aka OUTLAW) and is helping each of us in the process?

Meet Jim Durham, Chief Client Service Officer for Shipman & Goodwin. Jim has worked as a consultant and CMO over the past 25 years, and has experience working with law firms and other professional service organizations on marketing planning, business development, client service and management strategies. In addition, Jim has captured many of his inspirational writings in his blog which can be found at jimdurham.wordpress.com.

Q: Where would you like to live?
A: Wherever I can have the most fun – good weather, good friends, good bars…

Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: Having a quiet mind, and being filled with loving kindness.

Q: Who is your real life hero?
A: I am still discovering how much of an influence my father has had on me…an Arkansas sharecropper who moved North and worked multiple jobs to provide for us. Never missed a day of work and retired with some hunting land, a modest house and a nice truck – feeling like a king.

Q: What is your motto?
A: I don’t recall, but wish it had been “You are Loved.”

Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: Failure and disappointing others.

Q: To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
A: Eating potato chips.

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I could have one super-power, it would be…”
A: The ability to fly.

Q: Who are your favorite authors/what are your favorite books?
A: John Irving – most of his books; Paulo Coelho’s books; My favorite all-time book is “Watership Down.” It shows the power of intuition and the value of diversity in decision-making. I also loved “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”

Q: If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
A: David Whyte. I really connect with his poetry and philosophy. Ellen or Oprah would be in the running, too.

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?
A: I didn’t like getting paid for my time – rather than value – as a lawyer. A good friend told me Mintz Levin was looking for a Marketing Director in 1991. Since I was pretty good at bringing in business as a lawyer, I figured I would try it. Never looked back.

Q: Your favorite musician/band?
A: Yes, Queen and Steely Dan. But I also have some affection for the Bee Gees and Tubes, too. (I horrified my parents listening to “White Punks on Dope” in my college years – find it online – great rock song.)

Q: What is your current state of mind?
A: Enjoying being upright and breathing…and still seeking.

Q: What would you consider your greatest achievement?
A: Raising three great kids.

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I won the lottery tomorrow I would…”
A: Like most people, I suspect, I’d become a philanthropist. I would be thrilled to be able to change lives by supporting great causes financially.

Q: Who would you have liked to be?
A: A softer version of Tony Robbins – maybe Wayne Dyer.